Blog lookin' a little bare? Have you been wondering where I've been the last few weeks? Well, let me fill you in because although it may look like there isn't much going on, so much has been happening behind the curtain! Let's rewind to last month when my friend (and fellow preemie momma) Asha Grinnell asked me if I would like to be a guest blogger on her own website and parenting blog. Without hesitation I happily accepted this great invitation, however after two weeks of stalling, I was lost on what to write. Frustrated and fearing I was suffering from writer's block, I prayed for direction and renewed purpose. Within a day of that prayer, I had written the words I wished my husband and I would have read during our son's NICU stay. Almost one month later, this little blog post is still being shared on Facebook and just won't quit! If you didn't get a chance to read The Top 10 Rules for Preemie Parentsyou can visit the awesome parenting blog Only True North and read it here. Since that time, Team His Middle Name has been doing our very best to raise awareness and funds for the 2015 March of Dimes March for Babies. Although we started a bit late this year with our fundraising, I'm pleased to announce that this year's total donation raised in the fight to help families have healthy, full-term babies was almost $1,000!!! I know in the big scheme of things it doesn't seem like much money, but that tiny bit that we raised combined with the tiny bit that other teams have raised creates an immediate and profound impact on preterm birth. A momentum has been started, as all little steps lead to big ones. Team His Middle Name is so proud to have been a tiny part of it.With all this buzz and momentum, why stop now? It's the perfect time for a little celebration ... and Graham's Foundation has just the event that will spark a whole lot of jubilation! This Sunday, May 3, 2015 will be the fourth annual Parents of Preemies Day, and it's a day that's like no other because it's just for us! I think that's why I'm up right now with butterflies in my stomach instead of sleeping. Sure, there's Mother's Day and Father's Day, but Parents of Preemies Day gives us a chance to honor our unique experiences as parents of these amazing, resilient children. No matter where you are in the journey - whether you're three days in and newly learning the ropes of the NICU or three years out and finally acknowledging all you've been through - this is a day of healing, reflection, prayer and gratitude.

There are so many ways to get involved, and it all starts with you and your comfort level. The easiest way to get involved is by simply changing your profile picture. Graham's Foundation has some awesome graphics that you can share on your Facebook page, twitter page or via instagram. Even grandparents can get in on the fun! If you want a more interactive way to celebrate and connect with others, please visit the Parents of Preemies Day Facebook page. Here you can share your birth story, post photos, ask questions and join the conversation. I encourage you to share your heart - your truth and experience is valuable and could make all the difference in another preemie parent's life that may be struggling. We've all been there, but we don't have to go through it alone. Let's celebrate the miracle of life together!

I’m a southern gal to the core who lives for my family, has a serious weakness for chocolate, a penchant for anything that can be monogrammed and loves to craft and sew. Thank you for your interest and welcome to His Middle Name!